B1 noun Neutral

이유

[i.ju]

A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.

Examples

3 of 5
1

내가 이곳에 온 이유는 너를 돕기 위해서야.

The reason I came here is to help you.

2

결정이 지연된 이유가 무엇입니까?

What is the reason for the delayed decision?

3

환경 오염의 주된 이유는 탄소 배출입니다.

The main reason for environmental pollution is carbon emissions.

Word Family

Noun
이유
💡

Memory Tip

I-yu: Sounds like 'Eww' - why are you doing that? Give me a reason!

Quick Quiz

사람들이 도시로 몰리는 ( )는 일자리 때문입니다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 이유

Examples

1

내가 이곳에 온 이유는 너를 돕기 위해서야.

everyday

The reason I came here is to help you.

2

결정이 지연된 이유가 무엇입니까?

business

What is the reason for the delayed decision?

3

환경 오염의 주된 이유는 탄소 배출입니다.

academic

The main reason for environmental pollution is carbon emissions.

4

건강상의 이유로 휴직을 신청했습니다.

formal

I applied for a leave of absence for health reasons.

5

이유가 뭐야?

informal

What's the reason?

Word Family

Noun
이유

Common Collocations

정당한 이유 justifiable reason
이유를 묻다 to ask for a reason
특별한 이유 special reason
이유가 없다 there is no reason
구체적인 이유 specific reason

Common Phrases

그럴 만한 이유

a good reason for that

이유 불문하고

regardless of the reason

여러 가지 이유

various reasons

Often Confused With

이유 vs 원인

Wonin is more scientific/direct cause; Iyu is a general reason or justification.

📝

Usage Notes

Fundamental for IELTS Writing Task 2 when explaining 'Reasons and Solutions'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid repeating '이유' too much; use synonyms like '원인' or '근거'.

💡

Memory Tip

I-yu: Sounds like 'Eww' - why are you doing that? Give me a reason!

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 理由: 理 (reason/logic) and 由 (from/cause).

Grammar Patterns

~하는 이유는 ~이기 때문이다 ~할 이유가 없다

Quick Quiz

사람들이 도시로 몰리는 ( )는 일자리 때문입니다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 이유

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